best cots for newborns (click through the next article)

A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child that stops them from falling off. They come in a range of styles ranging from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots offers that attach to your side of the bed to allow secure co-sleeping) to travel cots.

The mother tester Jasmin was impressed with the cot's storage space that is perfect for sheets and blankets. It's also simple to set up and comes with an incline setting to reduce reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are often a parent's best friend. They keep baby snug, and (hopefully), sleeping soundly. When looking for a crib, there are a lot of things to consider. From safety and specifications to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through the infant stages and even toddlerhood, so long-term durability is key. This cot is sleek, sturdy and meets all the latest standards. It's also affordable and comes with a mattress included.

Gemma, mother of Boden 13 months old tried the product.

This cot is an excellent example of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a modern option for the baby's first bedroom with modern grey finishes that suit any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool daybed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It also comes with two different heights for the base, making it safer and easier to reach your baby than a standard drop-side cot. And it's built with a shaped base so it fits through most standard doorways, which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. There's a matching changer/dresser to keep the essentials for your baby in your arms.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot will grow with your baby, from birth until around four years old. It has two mattress heights so you can start with a high base and move down as your baby develops and learns to sit up unaided. It was named Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the most beautiful Moses basket or cot.

The slats on this cot are more spaced apart than other models we tested, which makes it more streamlined and perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It also has a handy side door that lets you reach in easily to feed and change nappies or change a nappies. Our tester took just 12 minutes to set up the cot.

When choosing a cot bed make sure you choose one that meet safety standards. All cots should have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart so that your baby's limbs cannot become trapped. Check that the slats of your cot are securely attached to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.

A quality cot mattress is also key to ensure your baby's comfort. Look for pockets springs or latex coated Coir mattresses, since they offer the best support and don't shrink like foams. It is also recommended to invest in a waterproof mattress cover, because any dirt that gets into the mattress and cause your child to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots also come with extra features like gentle rocking movements to help your baby settle (like the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines that ease reflux, and storage for nappy essentials (like the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are fantastic additions, but only purchase items that are suitable and safe for your child.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

If you want a bedside crib that you can use from birth and put close to your bed while your the baby sleeps, this might be what you're looking for. It's a small design that easily fits into standard door frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It is also easy to get up and go down, making it the perfect choice for changing nappy.

One of our mum testers described it as being "exceedingly simple to put together." Its lightweight design allows you to easily move it between rooms or even take it on holiday If you'd like. Its design on its own is popular with new parents who need to be able to reach their baby easily in the early stages of parenting. It also includes the cover for a reflux wedge and a mattress with a fitted cover, which are both useful features.

It can also be converted into a toddler bed with the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is great news for parents since it it will last until your child is ready to step away from the cot. It's a beautiful cot bed with Scandi-inspired designs that will look gorgeous in your nursery. It's also a good value when you consider the length of time it will be used for.

This solid pine cot is also an excellent option. It is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old, and costs only PS372. Our test subjects loved its sleek paneled design. It's easy to put together and has a handy storage drawer, a rail for teething and adjustable height settings that are helpful for keeping your baby safe. Its small size makes it an ideal option for people with sloped ceilings or smaller spaces. Its strong construction ensures that it will last for an extended period of time and not break like some cribs.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib at the bedside allows parents to cuddle their infant close just before the time to go to bed. The NHS advises that newborns should be placed in a separate area for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to have their child in close proximity prior to putting them to sleep.

This cot from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, meaning you'll be able to match it to your bedroom or nursery decor. It's also a good option for parents with sloping ceilings who do not want a cot that takes up too much floor space. It can be adjusted to 11 different heights, and then can be tilted to four positions with an incline option which aids in reflux.

In addition to looking beautiful, it's a solid design that will last through the toddler years too. One tester for parents stated that her child slept in this crib for two months and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.

Another plus is that this cot is tiny and Best crib compact, making it easy to put together and move around as required. It's an ideal choice for parents who have smaller spaces and can also be used as a travel cot too. It was easy to assemble and the testers loved the storage drawer that could hold everything essential for your baby. It's not cheap baby cots but it's an excellent investment because of the design and the functionality. The cot doesn't include a mattress, which means you'll need to purchase one separately. We recommend opting for a firm, breathable mattress that is fitted to keep your baby from becoming trapped. It should be a few inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to prevent your child from being able to climb out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino is one of the more stylish cots on our list however it's not just about looks. With two height settings for the mattress the cot can see your baby through the first 18 months and can transform into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our testers found it is suitable for any nursery, particularly when you choose a matching changing table and wardrobe.

Whatever cot you pick, ensure that it is in compliance with the relevant requirements for your baby's age and your home. The spacing between bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm (two inches) in order to keep children from snagging their heads. Additionally, the surface should not be rough to prevent being suffocated. You'll need to buy the cot mattress that fits perfectly, with no gaps around the edges. It must also be made of breathable materials in order to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

While it's tempting to buy a cot with additional features such as drawers for storage built-in and removable bassinet sides (as with the Mamas&Papas Lua Cot) however, these must be considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The most ideal cots allow your child to rest comfortably and safely. You can find all-in one cot beds with lots of storage space that don't cost a lot.

If you're looking for a high tech option, the SNOO cot with Smart Sleeper has a built in sensor that can respond to your baby's crying. It gently rock the baby to sleep in a motion similar to the mother's womb. The price may be a bit high, but for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.